AFL Origin Stars Inspire Perth Students Ahead of Historic State Clash
Some of Australian Rules football's biggest names made a special visit to a Perth high school on Thursday, just days before the highly anticipated return of AFL State of Origin at Optus Stadium. West Australian and Victorian stars, including prominent Indigenous players, stopped by Clontarf Academy at Kent Street Senior High School to connect with young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students.
Indigenous Players Lead Community Engagement
The visiting contingent featured Brisbane premiership forward Charlie Cameron, Melbourne All-Australian star Kysaiah Pickett, St Kilda speedster Brad Hill, and Geelong ace Lawson Humphries. These athletes are among six Indigenous players set to represent Western Australia against Victoria in Saturday's historic clash, highlighting the program's focus on supporting and inspiring First Nations youth.
Established in 2022, the Clontarf Academy program aims to provide educational and personal development opportunities for Indigenous students. The AFL stars' visit served as both a motivational experience for the students and a promotional effort for the revival of State of Origin football, which hasn't been played in this format for decades.
Tapping into Historical Rivalry and Pride
Lawson Humphries revealed that West Australian great Stephen Michael was among the legends brought in to help inspire the Sandgropers to challenge their star-studded Victorian rivals. "We've had past legends come through... talking to us about the history of it (State of Origin football)," Humphries said.
"And obviously Glen Jakovich is there, he's our chairman of selectors. He's just around, and he's as passionate as anybody for State of Origin. We're really trying to tap into that traditional rivalry. And everybody's really excited around the group about what the game can be, and the pride of the state."
Victoria's Stacked Lineup and Selection Depth
Meanwhile, Victorian midfielder and former Essendon captain Zach Merrett emphasized the depth of talent available for the Victorian side, noting that dozens more players could have been selected to wear the iconic 'Big V' jersey. "There's probably 30 guys that would have looked very much at home wearing this polo, and guys that, I'm sure are a little bit disappointed they're not getting the opportunity to play in this game that has been 25, 30 years in the making," Merrett stated.
The Victorian midfield alone showcases remarkable talent, with Merrett joined by Marcus Bontempelli, Caleb Serong, Hugh McCluggage, Nick Daicos, Zak Butters, Matt Rowell, and others. Notably, West Coast star Harley Reid was among those who missed selection, underscoring the competitive nature of the squad assembly.
"Even to the point the guys starting in the midfield, they want to show up for the team, given that there's guys on the bench on the forward flanks, that would be itching again there as well," Merrett added. "I don't think that's got into anyone's head, complacency. We're just buzzing with the opportunity to play together and try and get State of Origin back off the ground again."
Final Preparations Before Sold-Out Spectacle
The traditional pre-match press conference will feature Western Australian skipper Patrick Cripps and Victorian captain Marcus Bontempelli facing off alongside their coaches, WA's Dean Cox and Victoria's Chris Scott, on Friday morning. Both teams will then conduct their first and final training sessions at Optus Stadium in the afternoon, exactly 24 hours before the sold-out spectacle on Saturday.
Merrett expressed optimism about the event's future, saying, "I think it's a great concept, and no doubt SA (South Australia) and the Allies are reaching to play soon as well. So hopefully we can put our best foot forward, and the fans get behind it." The visit to Kent Street Senior High School represents just one of several community engagements players from both states have undertaken across Perth this week, building excitement for the return of interstate football rivalry.
